Jags takes confidence from England selection

Phil Jagielka has enjoyed the start to the new season and being part of the England squad has helped him.

He might not have featured at Euro 2012, but he played in the two friendlies prior to the tournament and has featured twice already this season.

He scored in the friendly win over Italy and last week he was selected to replace John Terry against Ukraine.

He won that battle ahead of Chelsea defender Gary Cahill and Jags has taken confidence from the faith shown in him by international boss Roy Hodgson.

"We`re only four or five games into the season but I needed a good start. You set yourself high standards and I`ve maybe not reached them as consistently as I`d like in the last season or so.' Jags told evertonTV.

He continued: "It was a boost of confidence to get the nod for England. I don`t think there is much to choose between me and Gaz (Cahill). We are good friends, we mess about at table tennis and things like that.

"It`s hard knowing it`s one from two, but we got told the day before so that gave us a chance to prepare. But I know if one of the first-choice centre-backs is injured for the next time, I`m not automatically straight in. Gaz has got as good a chance of playing."

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